Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield Celebrates 10 Years of Fitness, Fun & Community
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
Susan Stidham Dobbs grew up dancing. That passion, combined with fitness goals and an entrepreneurial mindset, led her down the path to Jazzercise. For 32 years, she has been helping others blend a love of dancing with practical fitness, culminating in the opening of Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield.
Today, as owner and instructor, she is looking forward to celebrating a decade of Jazzercise on the north side of Indy, which she plans to mark with a series of special classes and an exclusive offer for newcomers.
Her journey with Jazzercise is a long-standing one. Fresh out of college in 1985, she became hooked on the fun atmosphere and enamored with the community of women drawn to the fitness program. Fast-forward to today, and Stidham Dobbs is still dancing to her own drumbeat and helping others live stronger, healthier lives at Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield.
Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield offers a variety of fitness routines that provide a whole-body workout. Class formats vary to help keep motivation high and prevent plateaus. Attendees will enjoy a wide range of music, including Top 40, hip-hop, K-pop, oldies, indie and more. Classes are offered seven days a week to accommodate busy schedules. New choreography is incorporated 10 times per year to keep the dance cardio fresh.
“Jazzercise has been a leader in dance fitness since its inception in 1969,” she says. “We have changed and evolved so much over those 55 years to provide workouts that are challenging, effective and fun.”
If you’re thinking of trying Jazzercise, you can expect to experience the same choreography as others in the program, regardless of location. All routines are reviewed by an exercise physiologist to ensure they are safe and effective. Alongside building strength and resilience, she encourages people to explore Jazzercise to access a powerful community of strong women.
“I don’t have the words to tell you how wonderful the people are that make up our Jazzercise family,” she says. “It is such a blessing to be surrounded by these amazing women every single day. I have the best job in the world.”
Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield also offers childcare options for parents and a staff of 13 certified instructors.
Of her own personal journey, Stidham Dobbs reflects that her success would not be possible without her dedicated staff and family.
Like other small business owners, she has relied on the support of her family to help make Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield a success. Her mother acted as class manager for 20 years, and her father, “Grandpa Bill,” helped babysit for 17 years. Her husband and son have also pitched in to maintain the studio and keep it functional and updated.
“I believe any business owner is only as good as the people she surrounds herself with,” she says. “I would be lost without my wonderful team of instructors, class managers and childcare staff. Every one brings their own special gifts and talents to our studio, and each of them is beautiful inside and out.”
To learn more about Jazzercise Carmel/Westfield, visit jazzercise.com/studio/in/carmelwestfield-fitness-center.
